The two "Y" Camps in Washington County, Pennsylvania were:
1. Camp Adelawan, girls
2. Camp Buffalo, boys
There was also:
1. Camp Wahoot (unknown, 1946)
and
Boy Scout Camps
1. Camp Ananwana (still operating)
2. Camp Underwood, near Fredericktown
On the page for "Y-camp locations", I wrote that there are NO original buildings left on the campgrounds; there is nothing left to see.
So, if there's nothing left to see, why bother writing about these camps?
I am passionate and fascinated by history--of locations, counties, cities, townships---and the people who built, labored, and managed them.
The YMCA (est. 1890) and YWCA (est. about 1910) were each formed by 2 men and 2 women who held a vision and a wish to help their communities and the youth of their day. Although the YMCA (est. about 2002) and the YWCA (about 2002) had to close their doors and cease operations, in their long histories they served thousands of boys and men, girls and women, with community meetings, educational and faith-based programs, supportive life programs, sports skills such as archery and the swim team, and family recreation. In the camps alone, likely 100-200 boys and girls enjoyed summer fun for 6 to 8 weeks every year.
The Boards, Staffs, Directors, and the Camp Directors, Camp Counselors, Camp Volunteers and Parents worked hard year-round to raise money for operating expenses and to provide scholarships for some needy children to attend camp. Whether a paying parent or one who's child received a scholarship, the camps provided an array of fun activities and supervision, while helping shape children's lives.
These workers should be remembered for all they did or tried to do. Part of how we remember people who helped in our pasts is by preserving our own memories of how these people and the camps helped us. This is true about any place / location and service we received, whether from church, school, businesses, or community offerings. As we remember, we honor the people who labored in some way to assist or enrich our lives.
For these reasons, the Washington County Camps should be remembered. If you went to one of the camps and want to share your memories, please send me an email.
Judy Florian
Sources:
The Washington Reporter, Washington PA, 150th Anniversary Edition, Friday,
August 15, 1958, Section III, Page 22, "Local YWCA To Mark 50th Year in
1959".
The Washington Reporter, Washington PA, 150th Anniversary Edition, Friday,
August 15, 1958, Section II, Page 33, "YMCA Established Here In 1890".
